TONIGHT'S EPISODE of EastEnders was the first in its 23 year history to feature an exclusively black cast.The episode - which went out just a few hours ago - is sitting on my Sky+ box waiting to be watched; despite avidly following the series, this news escaped even me until now. I wonder if I would have noticed the absence of any of the white, Asian or redhead characters without the heads-up?
Apparently, there was no publicity. The synopsis of the episode simply states: "A nostalgic Patrick reminisces about 1950s London."
It's surely no coincidence that the edition was screened on the 10th anniversary of the Macpherson Report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence. A BBC spokesman said:
"Tonight's episode focuses on Patrick Trueman sharing his experiences of being a young man living in 1950's Britain with the family he lives with (The Foxes) which does mean it's solely an all black cast on screen. Patrick and the Foxes are an integral part of Albert Square and this is no different to other episodes where we've concentrated on one particular family or storyline in the past."
Martin Luther King Jr, the terms 'coloureds', 'negroes' and racist slogan 'Keep Britain White' are all referred to in the dialogue.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to squash the persistent rumours about mysterious 'disappearances' and emphasize that rural and urban areas are now enjoying a life of harmony and peace. I'm sure you're glad to hear this. And I'm happy you're glad."